Services

Medical Dermatology | Cosmetic Dermatology | Laser Surgery | Skin Cancer Surgery
Primary Procedures and Specializations

Medical Dermatology

We treat all diseases of the skin, hair and nails in both pediatric and adult patients. This includes common diseases such as Acne, Eczema, and Psoriasis, as well as diagnosis and treatment of all forms of skin cancer. Many of our patients are referred by other physicians, and we take pride in keeping up to date with the most advanced treatment strategies.

SKIN CANCER SURGERY
We treat and diagnose all types of skin cancers. This includes basal cell, squamous cell, and melanoma.
Please see the Skin Cancer Information page.

Outpatient surgery is done under local anesthesia in one of our surgical suites on site. Rarely, procedures can also be preformed at the hospitals.

LASER SURGERY

We have multiple lasers that are used for many different applications. Whether it is birthmarks, sunspots, or psoriasis, we use five different lasers in the practice. Please do not hesitate to ask us if you have any further questions on the lasers. Below, you will find a brief summary of what each one is used for.

1) Iridex532 nanometer diode Laser. This laser is very useful for facial blood vessels, birthmarks, sunspots and other benign lesions.
http://www.iridex.com/aesthetics/diolite.html

2) Candela GentleLASE Plus Laser. This laser is most useful for hair removal and treatment of blood vessels.
http://www.candelalaser.com/products/index.cfm?task=gentleLase

3) Candela V-Beam Laser. This laser has applications in treating blood vessels and sun damage. It is useful for large vascular birthmarks as well.
http://www.candelalaser.com/products/index.cfm?task=gentleLase

4) Photo Medex Extract Laser. This is the newest FDA approved laser for psoriasis. It has also been found to be useful in the treatment of vitiligo.
http://www.photomedex.com/

5) Intense Pulse Light IPL. This light source combines multiple wave lengths, which makes it useful for many applications. It helps with sun damage, dark spots, acne, as well as fine lines and wrinkles.
http://www.novalismedical.com/Patienthome.htm

Both Dr Mings and Mr Lane have been extensively involved in dermatology research. Dr Mings has been the principle investigator in over 20 clinical trials. This enables us to offer cutting-edge therapy to our patients.

For info on current research projects, please click here.

Cosmetic Dermatology

In the current market, there are many choices when it comes to cosmetic dermatology. We believe you will be best served to trust your skin care to an experienced specialist in dermatology. We offer a full array of cosmetic services tailored to each client to accomplish their goals. This includes Botox, DiamondTome microdermabrasion, Restylane, sonic phoresis, and lasers. Our licensed esthetician, Brittney Olson, is available for free consultations. During your consultation, Brittney can overview proven creams, lotions and treatments that help with rejuvenating your skin and making it look more youthful.

At Gem State Dermatology, we use the most updated lasers and light sources in treating our patients. IPL is available for wrinkle reduction, skin tightening, facial rejuvenation, hair removal, scar and stretch mark treatment, acne therapy, as well as vein and sunspot removal. For an overview of our lasers, please refer to the Laser Surgery heading under Medical Dermatology.

Cosmetic procedures performed at Gem State Dermatology:

•	Restylane
	A variety of fillers are used for deeper furrows and wrinkles in the skin. Restylane is a safe and natural cosmetic dermal filler that restores volume and fullness to the skin

•	Botox Cosmetic
	Works by blocking nerve impulses which reduces the movement of the muscles that cause wrinkles and lines. The treatment is minimally invasive and nonsurgical, and requires no recovery time.

•	Chemical Peels
	If you have the appropriate skin type, a chemical peel is performed before the microdermabrasion session. This procedure removes the surface of dead skin cells, which will make the microdermabrasion more effective. (A Chemical Peel Session can also be done separately upon request.)

•	Sonic Phoresis
	This uses ultrasonic rays to actively drive anti-oxidants, topical vitamins and moisturizers into the skin. Gentle waves pass through the upper epidermis and cause temporary widening between cell walls. This increases penetration, retention, and bioavailability of the medications we used to improve your skin.

•	Microdermabrasion
	This procedure revitalizes the skin by exfoliation and removal of the skin’s outermost cells. We have Idaho’s first DiamondTome Microdermabrasion machine for improving removal of sunspots and fine lines. The DiamondTome utilizes a diamond- tipped wand without the adverse effects of loose particles that are found in more traditional microdermabrasion machines. Removing the topmost laser of skin leaves is supple and vibrant, with a smoother texture. Depending on your skin type, a chemical peel is performed before the microdermabrasion session. This procedure removes the surface of dead skin cells, which will make the microdermabrasion more effective. Side Effects Microdermabrasion is safe to use on all skin types. You leave the office with only a mild temporary pinkness on the treated area. Regular activity can be resumed immediately.

•	Laser Hair Removal
	This procedure is a non-invasive approach to permanent reduction and long term hair removal (FDA approved), The treatment eliminates undesired hair from all parts of the body. Treatment safely eliminates undesired hair follicles in seconds. Laser therapy, unlike many other treatments, leaves your skin looking and feeling smother and softer. The area is first cleansed and the hair is shaved. A beam of highly concentrated light is produced by the laser. Controlled pulses of light penetrate the skin and are absorbed by the hair follicles without damaging the surrounding tissue. The heat damages the hair follicle, thereby eliminating or reducing the potential for regrowth. The area is cleansed after treatment and a sunscreen is applied. The laser only effects the hair follicle when it is in the growth phase. For this reason, more than one treatment may be necessary. You will be advised as to the number of treatments which will be necessary to achieve your desired result during your consultation. Regular activity is resumed immediately. Side effects are rare. Soft scabbing, blistering, or redness may occur at the site of the treatment. These symptoms should last no more than a few days as they resolve themselves quickly under the normal healing process. During your initial consultation you will be notified if you are susceptible to these side effects. Sun or UV exposure must be limited for 2 to 4 weeks before and after the treatment. Limiting these exposures will significantly minimize your risk of skin discoloration.

•	Sclerotherapy
	A sclerosizing agent is injected into the vein through a tiny needle. Depending on the number of veins treated in a session, treatment can last from 15 to 30 minutes. Once injected into the vein, the solution replaces the blood in the vein and causes irritation and corrosion to the walls of the vessel. The body will then begin the natural healing process, the vein begins to break down, shrink and eventually disappear. Several treatments may be needed to achieve the desired result. In some cases, as few as two or three treatments will achieve the desired correction. You will be advised as to the number of treatments necessary during your consultation. Side Effects Regular Activity may be resumed immediately in most cases. Excess standing or vigorous activities are not advised for up to 24-48 hours. The treated veins may appear bruised after treatment. Support hose are recommended for the treated area. The hose will aid in more effective healing and treatment from the application of pressure. Larger vessels may appear pigmented, this is temporary and will fade over time. Results In many patients, 60-80% of the treated vessels are resolved.